When considering Guam's future, we must look back at our history. In 1776, the United States of America rebelled against England, the most powerful nation in the world, to ensure that its people were heard in government. Our nation was founded on the principles of equal representation.

It is long past the time for Guam to receive the same rights for which our founding fathers fought.

My husband believes that the people of Guam have the right to self-determination. He supports the efforts of Guamanians to hold a binding referendum on their desired political status. The people of Guam are the people who are affected by their lack of representation, by their lack of ability to vote for president. And it is the people of Guam who should make the decision on their own political standing, without government intervention.

It is unthinkable that the people of Guam, who have done so much for our country, are deprived of the ability to vote for president and denied fair representation in the Congress. Without representation, the people of Guam are being left behind.

Over a quarter of Guam’s land is covered in U.S. military bases and one out of every eight Guamanians is a veteran. Guam has the largest number of military recruits per capita, yet ranks dead last in per capita spending on veterans’ medical care. How has our country let this happen?

The people of Guam have lost land for this country. They have laid their lives on the line for this country. They have lost sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters for this country. It is time we supported them as the heroes that they are.

Bernie understands the sacrifices Guamanians have made, and he will continue to support veterans just as he has throughout his entire career. He worked with Sen. John McCain on a $2 billion bipartisan bill to reform the VA’s health system, and his work to support veterans has been touted on both sides of the aisle.

Bernie understands that the working families of this country deserve more from their government. They deserve a system in which all Americans can afford higher education, in which all Americans make a $15 an hour living wage, and in which all Americans receive healthcare as a right, not a privilege.

In 2016 we must come together. We must choose a leader who understands the plight of working Americans and who appreciates the sacrifices that so many of our citizens have made for their families and for their country. We need a president who has the judgment to keep our children out of foreign wars, and ensure that our future is built on education, not incarceration.

After 27 years of marriage, I continue to be amazed at Bernie’s tireless efforts to make this country a better place. Bernie is the best choice for the people of Guam and for a future all Americans can believe in.

Jane Sanders is wife to Sen. Bernie Sanders and senior adviser to his campaign. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Vermont Economic Development Authority. She earned her Ph.D. in leadership and policy studies at Union Institute & University.